MULLET OVER BY JAMES K. WHITE | AUGUST 8 – 12, 2015
Henry VIII did not divorce any of his spouses
The average elephant has the genetics to produce 6 full sets of teeth for chewing. Normally, only one set of tusks (which are actually specialized teeth) can be grown.
On March 6, 2014 the British Museum opened its impressively arranged Viking Age exhibit which features the institution’s prize 121 foot long warship constructed of timber cut in the year 1025.
Contrary to what many believe, the famous Henry VIII did not divorce any of his spouses. Two (Anne of Cleves and Catherine Parr) outlived Henry. Three wives bore him children and all three offspring ascended to the throne of England.
Few people realize the raw power possessed by some eagles. A naturalist studying golden eagles in Russia has obtained photographic evidence of an Aquila chrysaetos attacking, killing and consuming an apparently healthy adult deer. Fellow naturalists alleged the involved predator must surely have been a Siberian tiger until biologist Linda Kerley shared what her remote camera had recorded.
The Mponeng Gold Mine extends some 2.5 miles beneath the earth’s surface. The excavation is the deepest mine on our planet. Temperatures in the lowest tunnels can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice in slurry form is piped into the digging area and the length of work periods for miners is closely monitored.
1908 (London) was the last time that Olympic gold medals were made of real gold (even then, only 15K). A 1st place medal from that Olympics contained an estimated $30 worth of gold at the time it was struck – and was sold for $22,250 in 2012.
A 2014 poll indicated that almost 40 percent of Americans have never had their teeth examined by a dentist.
The Burlingame Pez Museum in California will construct (for a fee) a Pez dispenser using your photo image.
When Russia ceased displaying the red communist flag in 1991, the nation re-adopted a 16th century banner used by Peter the Great. The colors on that flag? Red, white and blue.
The praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a peculiar insect. Most of the 2,000 species live in tropical regions. No species of the mantises have 2 ears. Nearly all have exactly one ear, but some have no ears, ever. Now you know.
Well, I suggest that you spend very little time singing to a praying mantis and yet somehow have an enjoyable week.
James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at [email protected].
